Voc Rehab

As the father of a young man who is transitioning from high school and using Vocational Rehabilitation services, this article was of interest to me. I went to a workshop on guardianship a few years ago and what struck me was how many parents talked about their negative experiences with Vocational Rehabilitation.

For my son at this point, it’s been okay but according to this article entitled “Voc Rehab Doubling Down on Transition Age Youths” by Michelle Diament at Disability Scoop, they appear to be falling short on fully meeting their obligations. I guess time will tell but, meanwhile I still have lots to do towards his future.

Sincerely-

 

Autism Librarian

Disability separation and inequality

So about a week ago, my son, his mom and I met to discuss my son’s ISP. During that meeting one of the topics that was brought up was what Evan would like to do in the future regarding work and one of the things I brought up was not having him work in a sheltered workshop.

So consequently, today while I was at work, I came across this article entitled “Separation and Inequality persist among Minnesotans with Disabilities, Study Says” in the Star-Tribune newspaper by Chris Serres. To say I was a bit disappointed would be stating in mildly. Next week in fact, I’m taking my son to a local community college to check out their automotive program. Stay tuned!

Sincerely-

   

Autism Librarian

 

Sheltered workshop update

So as this article states, the clock is ticking on Ohio to make some changes by 2019. Now I know I’ve posted before on how changes are needed for shelter workshops. I talk to one parent who said they pay like three or four dollars an hour, almost have what people who don’t have a disability get paid.

Sincerely-

  

Autism Librarian

Finding the sun

Now I’ve been following this story for a little while, about Sheltered Workshops and how states are looking at alternatives. Well, anyway, it looks like at least the state of Minnesota is headed that way. I think that I need to reach out to my local state representative to find out what Missouri is doing.

In fact, I know a local store owner (whose son is also autistic) that I’m going to get in touch with in part because we had a discussion about the Sheltered Workshops a few weeks ago and how they pay so little. After I do that, I’ll let you know what happens.

Oh yea, the article I read today about these is entitled “States Developing Alternatives To Sheltered Workshops” by Chris Serres via the Star-Tribune and over at Disability Scoop. I also need to talk to my state representative about ABLE accounts. So much to do and so little time but at least I feel motivated.

Sincerely-

  

Autism Librarian

Domino effect

Here’s some more news on the sheltered workshop courtesy of Disability Scoop. It seems another state, this time Oregon, is headed in the same direction as Vermont (and perhaps Minnesota).

Again, as the article states, at issue is the fact that “…individuals with developmental disabilities who wanted to work in community-based settings were instead stuck in jobs at sheltered workshops earning less than minimum wage”.

Sincerely-

  

Autism Librarian